“I volunteer for Words Alive because I understand the important role books play in the development of a child. Reading is an excellent way to access the world around you as well as escape into other worlds. It opens our minds and hearts.”

“ I love to read aloud and bring books to life to little ones who might not have access to books if it weren’t for Words Alive.”

“Reading allows us to broaden the imagination, take us to other worlds, and deepen our sense of shared experiences, trials, and joy. If I can be a spark that generates curiosity in books and encourages reading habits at home, then our youngest cohorts can begin the journey to successful learning and discovery of their own limitless potential.”

“Helping others has always been joyous and fulfilling to me. After graduating from college, I wanted to give back in a similar way that educators and librarians helped me while growing up in a low income, high crime community. I knew what I wanted to do, and after joining Words Alive, I was able to fulfill my goals and more.
At Words Alive, I’ve been able to help local youth learn about the wonders of literature, art, and the power they have to change the world for the better. I’ve also been able to mentor and guide recipients of the Words Alive Westreich Scholarship Program so that they have all the tools and knowledge needed to navigate college life.”

“I volunteer for Words Alive because I believe in the value of seeing the light in one another and supporting each other in our community and educational endeavors. As a literature lover, student, and teacher, I enjoy working with others through the power of language and literacy!”

“Words Alive is an organization that works hard to contribute towards educational development and this cause speaks to me on a personal level. Moreover, the organization is immensely welcoming of volunteers and their efforts. For me, each day spent volunteering for this organization is a day that is well-spent!”

“I love volunteering for Words Alive because of their tireless commitment to help our community improve and grow one of the most important skills a person can have - reading. It never ceases to amaze me how this organization goes above and beyond by working with families to help ensure their young readers have a substantial learning environment at home. I also admire how quickly and effectively Words Alive adapted to the new challenges brought on by the pandemic.”

“For me, volunteering for Words Alive started off as simply a means to earn hours for the #CaliforniansForAll Summer of Service program but soon became an enjoyable pastime. Words Alive allowed me to combine the love I have always had for books and reading with my passion to help others, and I hope I continue to use this outlet for years to come.”

““I volunteer for Words Alive because I love reading and writing, and getting to know people who love it as much as I do. As a former teacher, I want to make things easy for teachers and help kids get all they can out of books.” ”

““I volunteer with Words Alive because I really enjoyed reading as a kid and I was really interested in the idea of an organization that helped kids of all ages love reading too. I ended up joining the curriculum team when I learned that Words Alive was making guides for all ages and genres of novels. I really love the idea that these guides have questions about novels that I would have loved to read for fun, that create discussion on important topics in out society. As a high schooler not a lot of the people I meet love reading for fun outside of standard school curriculum, so I love that Words Alive goes above and beyond to make novels a wonderful experience!””

“I found Words Alive when I was looking for online volunteer opportunities during COVID. I am very glad that I found Words Alive because I just love the message the organization is spreading across local communities as well as how passionate everyone on the team is! Overall, volunteering with Words Alive has been a very rewarding and enriching experience!”

“I volunteer with Words Alive as a way of passing on the joy of reading and the advantages of literacy with those who may not have been gifted these things from birth.”

“We volunteer for Words Alive because we believe in helping young and underserved people develop the mindsets and skills they’ll need to find and sustain meaningful work. The realities of the digital divide, which have only been worsened by the pandemic, makes supporting underserved and under-represented youth more important than ever. And we are proud to do so through Words Alive!”

“I volunteer for Words Alive because I am continually impressed by the breadth of their programs and the creativity of their team. I look forward to our meetings every week because their reactions and feedback on our project inspire me and give me hope that we can use technology to promote social good.”

“I volunteer for Words Alive because of the friendly and educational staff and community here that allow me to form close relationships with others. I am able to spend time participating in activities that interest me while simultaneously learning professional skills and inspiring others to love reading and learning! ”

“When I was little, books saved me. When I was big, books saved me! A good book is a magic carpet ride that can woosh you away to new places and introduce you to interesting characters, all in the theater of your own heart and mind. I want readers to be able to travel anywhere they wish to explore, enjoy learning, and reap the lifetime benefits from the magic and wisdom of reading good stories.”

“I volunteer for Words Alive because I feel strongly about the organization’s mission. I think the world becomes a better place when our youth can more readily access the gift of reading. The people at Words Alive are committed and caring people who work to give children that gift, so I’m proud to help them in any small way I can. ”

“Why do I volunteer at Words Alive? Because making connections with children while reading always lifts my spirits and feeds my soul! The impact of reading and listening to great stories improves memory and increases our imagination. It allows us to explore new topics, increase awareness, and helps us to understand others. Last but not least, I volunteer at Words Alive because it inspires readers and writers to go on new adventures anywhere, anytime!”